Is Asclepias tuberosa native to Illinois?

Range & Habitat: The native Butterfly Milkweed is occasional to locally common in Illinois, except for the western section of the state, where it is less common (see Distribution Map).

Can milkweed grow in Illinois?

wenty-four species of milkweeds are found in Illinois. They grow in a variety of habitats. Milkweed flowers develop in an umbel at the stem tip or in the leaf axils in the upper part of the plant. Color varies with the species, but varieties include white, pink, red, orange, green, red-purple and purple-pink flowers.

Is milkweed illegal in Illinois?

Illinois now has a law on the books that promotes the milkweed plant, in order to protect the monarch butterfly. Governor Bruce Rauner signed HB 685 Friday. The legislation bars counties and municipalities from classifying milkweed as a noxious or exotic weed, or barring its cultivation.

What milkweed is native to Illinois?

Within the Chicago region, the following milkweed species (Asclepias) are native: Asclepias amplexicaulis is native to our prairies and is suitable for planting in sunny perennial flower gardens. The flowers are described as “eraser pink” in color and are fragrant (honey).

What kind of milkweed should I plant?

Planting local milkweed species is always best. Three species have particularly wide ranges and are good choices in most regions: common milkweed (Asclepias syriaca), swamp milkweed (A. incarnata), and butterflyweed (A. tuberosa).

Are Milkweeds poisonous?

Leaves or other above-ground parts of the plant are poisonous. They contain several glucosidic substances called cardenolides that are toxic. Milkweed may cause losses at any time, but it is most dangerous during the active growing season. Several species of milkweed are poisonous to range animals.

Can I plant a milkweed pod?

If you’ve ever seen milkweed in action in the fall, it’s easy to understand. Large seed pods open up and self seed readily, spreading this native wildflower’s seeds each season. In short, direct sowing milkweed seeds in fall is much easier than planting in the spring. Getting ready to plant.

How many milkweed seeds should I plant?

Sow 2 to 3 seeds in a pot filled with seed-starting mix, cover with ΒΌ inch of mix, water lightly and set under lights. Germination takes 7 to 10 days. Plant seedlings outside in a sunny spot when they have 3 to 4 sets of leaves and the ground is warm.

Why is planting milkweed illegal?

Native milkweeds don’t host OE, but planting them too close to the overwintering grounds can cause an interruption in the monarchs’ flight behavior. So the rule is: If you live along the California coast, plant nectar plants to support the monarchs migrating to and from overwintering sites; do not plant milkweed.

Why is milkweed illegal?

Milkweed does contain toxins that can be harmful to pets, livestock and people. The milky sap for which it gets its name leaks out from the stem or leaves. This sap contains toxins called cardiac glycosides or cardenolides, which are toxic to animals if consumed in large quantities.

Does milkweed spread fast?

Milkweed is one of the Monarch Butterflies’ favorite plants and will bring many winged friends to your garden or meadow. It can be a challenge to grow but once established it will thrive for years to come and spread quickly. Perennial.